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Written by
Livvi DiCicco, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Livvi DiCicco is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach. She has been writing, editing, and researching sleep-based content for over a year, and her sleep recommendations and insights have appeared in Bustle, Livingetc, and Authority Magazine. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in English & Creative Writing, she decided to work in the digital marketing field, continuing her creative works on the side. Her other interests (besides napping and writing) include digital art, history, and boba tea.
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
Riley is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach at Sleepopolis. She’s a firm believer that there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. You can find her insights and recommendations on sleep health in publications such as Woman’s World, Yahoo News, Livingetc, and Real Simple. Riley graduated from Elon University with a degree in journalism and creative writing. In her free time, she loves to paint, cook, and spend time with family (especially her pets).
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleepopolis and a certified sleep science coach. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing. Lewis also has had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer, and her sleep recommendations have been featured in Livingetc. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.
Memory foam mattresses are popular among sleepers looking for beds that are soft, cushiony, and contouring. They’re also great picks for folks dealing with pain or discomfort, light sleepers dealing with a rowdy partner, or shoppers seeking affordable yet quality beds. If any of that sounds like it could be the best mattress for you, keep reading.
Over the past decade-plus, our team of mattress experts and certified sleep science coaches has helped over 145,000 people find their favorite mattress — including nearly 12,000 satisfied customers in 2025. To find the best memory foam mattresses, we painstakingly combed through the 132 memory foam mattresses we’ve tested over this time period. We also worked with Dr. Raj Dasgupta, board-certified in sleep medicine, and our medical product tester and physical therapist, Dr. Joe Tedesco, to ensure you’re getting the most informed opinion.
Sleepopolis’ Best In Rest — Memory Foam
The Nectar is my pick for best memory foam mattress due to its contouring yet supportive foam. Sleepers should experience some moderate pressure relief while also receiving enough support to keep their spine neutrally aligned. I think this is an especially comfortable bed for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, which isn’t always the case with memory foam mattresses.
“Foam beds are some of the best mattresses for pressure relief,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta. “These beds offer cushioning and contouring to sensitive joints that would otherwise dig into the mattress, which is essential for staving off pain.”
Since pressure relief is essential to many sleepers’ comfort, we prioritized it when searching for the best foam mattresses. Our pressure relief tests tackle how a mattress feels for back and side sleepers of all sizes, with the final score coming from our testers’ ratings for each position. Anything above 4/5 is considered better than average.
We also have foam mattresses that may work for certain sleepers who don’t need as much pressure relief, such as stomach sleepers. Many mattresses that feel too firm for our lightweight and average-weight testers are often a hit with our heavyweight testers. We’ll be sure to explain in-depth who will glean the most pressure relief on each mattress we recommend.
Sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t isolate motion means you’ll feel every twitch and shift your partner makes in the night. Light sleepers who share the bed will likely want to prioritize it. Likewise, Dr. Dasgupta asserts that “excellent motion isolation in a mattress usually signals the inclusion of high-quality, dense foams.”
Slow-moving memory foam is usually the optimal material for absorbing motion, so we’ve found that all-foam beds tend to excel in this area. We test every mattress alongside a partner to get firsthand experience of how soundly you’ll sleep on it.
For reference, our average motion isolation score is about 4 out of 5, so anything higher is considered an excellent option for couples.
Ever sit on the edge of your bed and feel like you’re sinking? Or do you sleep near the edge and hate slowly slipping off throughout the night? Chances are, you’re dealing with a mattress with poor edge support.
Most foam mattresses tend to lag behind in this category, so we aimed to include beds that we thought performed decently in this area. We rated a mattress highly if it had a reinforced edge or was a hybrid design, both of which tend to provide the best edge support on a memory foam mattress. I’d say that anything above 3.5 out of 5 is pretty admirable for an all-foam bed.
We’ve developed a rigorous 13-point testing methodology that tells us how each mattress performs and who it might be a good fit for. All of the beds on this list have been evaluated for pressure relief, cooling capabilities, responsiveness, edge support, and much more.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has tested more than 500 mattresses over the last decade, allowing us to guide more than 145,000 people to the best mattress for them. Not only do we use and evaluate these products ourselves, but we also consult with Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, who’s quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine, to ensure we keep up to date with the latest in sleep science and medicine.
Additionally, Dr. Joe Tedesco, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, comes into our studio to personally test mattresses and give a medical perspective on each product, and sleep and nutrition experts such as Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD, regularly verify our articles.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
Need help finding the right mattress?
Based on your answers, we’ve carefully selected the best mattresses tailored to your needs.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
We rated the Nectar as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm
Price
$931–$2,121 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
The Nectar is that rare foam mattress that’s supportive enough for stomach sleepers, and should keep their hips aligned with their shoulders.
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a balanced feel, with contouring and support in equal measure.
Back sleepers should feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
Couples shouldn’t be too disturbed by movement, as the Nectar isolates motion well.
Cons of the Nectar
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more. While heavy side sleepers might be comfortable, heavy back sleepers with chronic pain will need something softer and heavy stomach sleepers will probably need something firmer.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why It’s the Best Memory Foam Mattress Overall
The Nectar has excellent motion-isolating properties, meaning sleepers with restless partners can sleep through their bedmate’s tossing and turning.
Compared to other mattresses, the Nectar retains very little body heat, making it a fantastic option for hot sleepers.
Back sleepers should appreciate the Nectar’s supportive, medium-firm feel.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
The memory foam version of the Nectar does a great job of dampening motion.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
After lying on it for 5 minutes, the temperature of the Nectar only increased by 5.4 degrees.
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Response: 4/5
Despite being an all-foam bed, the Nectar is surprisingly easy to change positions on.
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Edge Support: 4/5
There was more sinkage along the edge while sitting on it, but one could lie on it without falling off.
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Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
The Nectar Classic felt great on our testers’ backs, but they noticed some pressure buildup on their sides.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Nectar Classic is a medium-firm memory foam mattress.
Dr. Tedesco’s Notes
During our pressure relief tests on the Nectar Classic, we invited our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, to offer his opinion from a physical therapist’s perspective. He enjoyed lying on it across the board, but recommended it primarily for back sleeping.
“After lying on my back for five minutes, I notice I’m incredibly supported,” said Dr. Tedesco. “This model could be good for people who need structure in a bed. So, if you’re someone with loose ligaments and joint instabilities, you might feel some really good orthopedic alignment.”
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
Body Weight
Side
Back
Stomach
Light
(under 130 lbs)
unpleasant
good
excellent
Average
(130-230 lbs)
good
excellent
excellent
Heavy
(over 230 lbs)
good
good
unpleasant
Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs)
Side Sleeper
unpleasant
Back Sleeper
good
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
good
Stomach Sleeper
unpleasant
Our Expert Opinion
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better memory foam mattress than the Nectar Classic. The brand’s flagship model is my top pick and has earned 4s or higher for its cooling, motion isolation, and edge support. This bed-in-a-box delivers high quality at an affordable price, too; a queen-size mattress usually costs around $1,500, and the brand often offers discounts of up to 50 percent during sales.
Trying out the Nectar Classic was a dream for our testers, particularly while lying on their backs. In this position, you can sink into the top layer just enough to feel cradled while the supportive base keeps your spine aligned. That said, its side-sleeping pressure relief left our mattress experts wanting more.
Choose the Nectar if …
You tend to sleep hot and need a mattress that can keep you cool and comfortable through the night.
You share the bed with a restless partner or pet and need something that can prevent their movements from impacting your side of the bed.
Keep looking if …
You prefer an ultra-soft memory foam mattress. You will likely feel more “on top” than “inside” of the Nectar because of its medium-firm feel.
You weigh 230 pounds or more. Sleepers with larger bodies will need a more supportive bed to help them maintain spinal alignment. For a similar mattress with stronger edge-to-edge support, consider the DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam instead.
Helix Midnight – Best Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress for Couples
Best for Couples
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Helix Midnight a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This means it’s slightly softer than the industry standard (6.5 out of 10).
Price
$937–$1,749 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation, so you shouldn’t feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Pros of the Helix Midnight
Back sleepers should get some cushioning in the lumbar region, and the coils will help keep their spines neutrally aligned.
Side sleepers should experience nice pressure relief and contouring at their shoulders and hips. For extra pressure relief, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe, the standard Helix Midnight’s luxury version.
The Helix Midnight has low motion transfer, which means partners aren’t likely to feel each other moving around at night.
The Midnight is a responsive mattress, so it’s ideal for combination sleepers.
You can return your bed after the 30-day “break-in” period and before the trial period ends for a full refund.
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why It’s the Best Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress for Couples
Unlike some all-foam models, the responsive coils in the Helix make its surface springy and easy to move around and switch positions on.
The plush memory foam layers provide solid pressure relief for back and side sleepers.
The Helix Midnight’s innerspring coils reinforce the bed’s perimeter, making it less prone to sagging over time.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Aside from gentle movements, our testers could not detect much motion transfer.
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Cooling: 3/5
During testing, we found that the Midnight feels neutral rather than cool to the touch.
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Response: 4/5
While the Helix has layers of soft foam, its bouncy innerspring coils make it easy to maneuver.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
Our testers felt super secure when lying near the edge of the Midnight in every sleeping position.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
The Helix Midnight effectively relieves pressure overall, despite our average-weight tester detecting slight back tension.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The plush foam layers and reinforced innerspring coils give the Helix Midnight a true medium-firm feel.
Dr. Tedesco’s Notes
Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, appreciated the supportive layer beneath the soft pillow top. He found it particularly comfortable around his hips and lower lumbar area while lying on his back.
“On my back, I sink right through the pillow top, and I can feel another layer supporting me,” he said. “I’m getting support at my shoulders, and they aren’t caving in. It’s appropriately soft without feeling bouncy. My hips are definitely sinking in. It provides some good support between my hips and lower back.”
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
Body Weight
Side
Back
Stomach
Light
(under 130 lbs)
good
excellent
unpleasant
Average
(130-230 lbs)
good
excellent
unpleasant
Heavy
(over 230 lbs)
good
good
unpleasant
Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
unpleasant
Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
unpleasant
Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
good
Stomach Sleeper
unpleasant
Our Expert Opinion
After trying the Helix Midnight, we can confidently say it delivers where it matters most for folks who share their bed with a partner and want a memory foam mattress — namely, in edge support and motion isolation. It earned a 4.4 and 4 out of 5 in these categories, respectively, making it our pick for the best mattress for couples in this roundup.
However, the Helix Midnight faltered in our cooling test. When testing was complete, mattress tester Riley Otis gave it a 3 out of 5 rating in this area. After lying on the bed for five minutes, she used her thermal gun to measure the surface temperature and found it had heated more than 10 degrees.
Choose the Helix Midnight if …
You prefer the soft feel of memory foam but want something less prone to sagging over time.
You are a back and side combination sleeper who needs deep pressure relief in both sleeping positions.
Keep looking if …
Sleepers with bigger bodies may not get the support they need on the Helix Midnight.
Our testers thought the Helix Midnight’s cooling was about average, meaning extra-hot sleepers will likely not find the relief they need on this bed. For a better cooling option, consider upgrading to the Helix Midnight Luxe instead.
Leesa – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best for Side Sleeping
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
All-foam, constructed of responsive foam and memory foam up top and thick base foam at the bottom.
Firmness
On our mattress firmness scale — with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest — we scored the Leesa a 5.5, which means it’s a very soft bed.
Price
$879–$1,639 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers should get pressure relief at the lumbar region from the soft foam up top and spinal support from the firmer foam below.
Side Sleepers
They should get plenty of contouring at the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure while sleeping.
Couples
The Leesa is responsive enough for sex and adept at isolating motion.
Pros of the Leesa
It’s cushioning enough for some side sleepers while still being supportive enough for back sleepers.
For a memory foam mattress, it sleeps fairly cool.
Despite their softness, the foams are responsive enough for combination sleepers to easily switch positions.
Cons of the Leesa
The Leesa is likely going to be too soft for most stomach sleepers.
Most heavy sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds should seek out a more supportive mattress — ideally something firmer that has springs in the construction.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns within day 31 and day 100 of the trial period.
While it’s an all-foam mattress on the softer end of the firmness scale, the Leesa should still offer enough support for a neutral spinal alignment, which is good news for back sleepers. Some side sleepers will also get the contouring they need at the shoulders and hips. Learn more in our Leesa video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Leesa is a great choice for back sleepers and should give them the comfort and support they desire. It could also work for some combination sleepers, as it’s bouncy enough to easily move around on.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Why It’s the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
It scored excellent marks on both of our pressure-relief tests (back and side sleeping).
Our testers gave the Leesa a responsiveness score of 5 out of 5, so side sleepers who occasionally switch positions at night should have no trouble.
The Leesa Original’s 5-star cooling should also be a hit for side sleepers who tend to overheat.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Thanks to its excellent motion-dampening, couples shouldn’t be able to detect each other moving on the Leesa Original.
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Cooling: 5/5
The temperature of the Leesa increased by 3.8 degrees after lying on it for 5 minutes, indicating excellent cooling.
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Response: 5/5
The Leesa provides the stability and firmness combination sleepers need to switch positions easily.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
The dense foam prevented us from falling while lying on the perimeter, but we noticed some sinkage while sitting.
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Pressure Relief: 4.4/5
The Leesa Original’s supportive yet contouring memory foam relieves pressure in all positions.
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Firmness: 7/10
The Leesa’s supportive foam construction gives it a slightly firmer-than-average feel.
Dr. Tedesco’s Notes
The Leesa Original earned nothing but high praise from our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, for its side-sleeping performance.
“Oh, good night!” he exclaimed. “I instantly relaxed when I turned to my side, and I am not a side sleeper. My hips feel great, and my spine is very relaxed. I feel contoured and cradled, and my weight is very evenly distributed. I think that this is good for all weight classifications.”
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
Body Weight
Side
Back
Stomach
Light
(under 130 lbs)
good
excellent
excellent
Average
(130-230 lbs)
excellent
excellent
good
Heavy
(over 230 lbs)
good
good
unpleasant
Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
excellent
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
good
Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
good
Stomach Sleeper
unpleasant
Our Expert Opinion
A memory foam mattress can often be one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, with soft layers that cradle the shoulders and hips (the parts of the body where side sleepers feel the most pressure). At the same time, you want to make sure that the foams are strong enough to give you the right amount of spinal support. This perfectly describes the Leesa Original mattress. It earned a 4.2 rating for side-sleeping pressure relief, helping bolster the bed’s overall pressure-relief rating of 4.4.
However, buyers should note that the Leesa Original came in at 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is a touch firmer than other all-foam models, especially those with the quicksand-like feel many sleepers are accustomed to.
Choose the Leesa Original if …
You need a mattress that relieves pressure points (like the hips and shoulders) when side sleeping.
You prefer memory foam but need a responsive surface to move around at night.
Keep looking if …
You prefer a tall, luxurious mattress. At 10 inches tall, the Leesa is on the shorter side, and it doesn’t come with any fancy bells and whistles to note.
You’re seeking the soft, slow-moving feel of traditional memory foam. For these shoppers, I’d recommend the TEMPUR-Cloud mattress instead.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
All-foam, constructed of gel memory foam up top and thick base foam at the bottom.
Firmness
On our mattress firmness scale — with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest — we scored the DreamCloud Memory Foam a 7.5, which means it’s a very firm bed.
Price
$1,013–$2,326 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Stomach Sleepers
There’s enough firmness here to keep the hips lifted and aligned with the shoulders, which is unusual for a foam bed.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers should get pressure relief at the lumbar region from the memory foam and spinal support from the firmer foam.
Couples
The DreamCloud Memory Foam is responsive enough for sex and adept at isolating motion.
Pros of the DreamCloud Memory Foam
It’s supportive enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, as long as they like a firmer bed.
It sleeps fairly cool for an all-foam mattress.
The foams are highly responsive, which makes it one of the best mattresses for sex, and makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions.
Cons of the DreamCloud Memory Foam
The DreamCloud Memory Foam is likely going to be much too firm for side sleepers.
Most heavy sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds should seek out a more supportive mattress — ideally something with springs in the construction.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns within the 365-night trial period
Even though it’s an all-foam mattress, we found the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress to be firm, supportive, and responsive. This makes it the rare foam bed that’s sturdy and bouncy enough for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combo sleepers alike. Learn more in our DreamCloud Memory Foam video review.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepersshould find a lot to love in the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress. It’s supportive and sturdy, but still offers some comfort from the quilted cover. Many stomach sleepers should also enjoy how the firm foams in this bed keep their hips propped up for spinal alignment.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Why It’s the Best Luxury Memory Foam Mattress
Despite its luxurious feel, the DreamCloud is very affordable, often going on sale for $699 (for a queen-size bed).
Its strong edge support suggests that it will resist sagging and maintain its structure for many years.
The DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in every testing category, making it a well-rounded option for many sleepers.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Even when someone got in and out of bed, our tester couldn’t really feel it.
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Cooling: 4/5
Our tester never noticed the mattress heating up during our cooling test.
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Response: 4.5/5
For an all-foam bed, the DreamCloud is pretty responsive, making it easier to move around on.
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Edge Support: 4.2/5
The edges of the DreamCloud Memory Foam only slightly dipped when we sat on them.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Both side and back sleepers should glean plenty of pressure relief from this bed, though the latter group will likely feel more comfortable overall.
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Firmness: 7/10
The DreamCloud Memory Foam feels a little firmer than true medium-firm.
Dr. Tedesco’s Notes
Chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, praised the DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam mattress for its exceptional support. That said, he noted that it didn’t offer much sinkage or contouring.
“While this model doesn’t offer much cradling, its surface is firm enough to hold my spine in a neutral position, and I feel very supported,” said Dr. Tedesco. “My hips aren’t sinking in too much, which is good for my spine. I like it across the board, but it’s best on my back.”
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
Body Weight
Side
Back
Stomach
Light
(under 130 lbs)
unpleasant
excellent
excellent
Average
(130-230 lbs)
good
excellent
excellent
Heavy
(over 230 lbs)
good
good
unpleasant
Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs)
Side Sleeper
unpleasant
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
good
Stomach Sleeper
unpleasant
Our Expert Opinion
DreamCloud is best known for the Classic, its flagship high-end hybrid mattress, but the brand also offers a memory foam version that delivers a similar feel without the coils. With its premium materials and thoughtful design, including great responsiveness and pressure relief, my fellow testers and I awarded it the title of best luxury mattress in this roundup.
It earned an impressive 4.3 rating for overall pressure relief, alongside high marks for motion isolation (4.7) and responsiveness (4.5).
While it didn’t perform poorly in any of our key categories, one tester noted that the mattress didn’t feel particularly cool to the touch (though it never overheated). For that reason, sleepers who get excessively hot at night might need something with more specialized cooling features.
Choose the DreamCloud if …
You want a supportive memory foam mattress that is ideal for back and stomach sleeping.
You want a mattress that combines responsive movement with strong motion isolation, so changing positions won’t disturb your partner.
Keep looking if …
You prefer the slow-moving feel of plush memory foam.
You are a side sleeper with sensitive joints. This mattress will likely be too rigid for you. The softer DreamCloud Premier Hybrid offers better pressure relief for side sleepers.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
This mattress comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. We tested the Firm and scored it a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale.
Price
$1,199–$1,999 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Stomach Sleepers
They should get enough support to keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders.
Back Sleepers
These sleepers should get the right blend of comfort and support for a neutral spinal alignment.
Heavy Sleepers
Despite the bed’s all-foam construction, larger sleepers over 250 pounds should get the requisite amount of support.
Pros of the WinkBeds Gravity Lux
For a foam mattress, it’s extremely durable and should be able to support heavier sleepers
It’s also supportive enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, as long as they prefer a firm bed
It’s available in three different firmness levels, so you have some flexibility with the type of model you buy
Cons of the WinkBeds Gravity Lux
Side sleepers or anyone looking for a traditional memory foam feel isn’t going to find it in the GravityLux.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns
The WinkBeds Gravity Lux stands out for being made entirely of foam, yet still very firm and supportive (note: it comes in three different firmness levels and we tested the Firm). Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavy sleepers, should all get the support they need. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“The Saatva Youth is a high-quality mattress for growing children. If you’re looking for a new mattress for your child, I’d really recommend checking it out.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer
Why It’s the Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
Our testers found that the GravityLux retained less heat than other memory foam mattresses, making it a home run for hot sleepers.
WinkBed successfully created an all-foam model that is just as responsive as its hybrid beds, which is great news for combination sleepers.
Sleepers who need a strong border to sit or bear down should have no problem doing so on the GravityLux.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
You should only barely feel your partner’s movements on the GravityLux.
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Cooling: 4/5
The mattress felt comfortably temperature-neutral throughout our testing.
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Response: 4/5
The GravityLux is fairly easy to move around on, especially for a foam mattress.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
We only noticed slight sinkage when seated at the edge of this mattress.
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Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
Back sleepers will feel the most pressure relief on this bed.
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Firmness: 7/10
The GravityLux has a slightly firmer feel, but still feels close to medium-firm.
Tester Notes
Riley Otis, one of our expert mattress testers, said this WinkBed mattress wasn’t necessarily cool to the touch, yet still promoted a good sense of temperature regulation. After lying on the bed for five minutes, the GravityLux reported a temperature increase of 7.3 degrees.
“I felt comfortable on this bed when I tested it for cooling,” Riley said. “I didn’t think the bed was noticeably warm, and I thought it has good cooling abilities. It didn’t have that cool-to-the-touch sensation, but I think it did a nice job regulating my temperature, especially for an all-foam bed.”
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
Body Weight
Side
Back
Stomach
Light
(under 130 lbs)
unpleasant
excellent
excellent
Average
(130-230 lbs)
unpleasant
excellent
excellent
Heavy
(over 230 lbs)
good
good
unpleasant
Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs)
Side Sleeper
unpleasant
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
unpleasant
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
good
Stomach Sleeper
unpleasant
Our Expert Opinion
If you often go to bed feeling toasty and wake up sweaty, you’re not alone. In fact, our bodies are hardwired for overheating at night. And if you want the cozy comfort of memory foam without worrying about staying cool, allow me to introduce the WinkBed GravityLux, one of the best cooling mattresses in the memory foam category; our sleep experts rated it a 4 out of 5 for cooling.
In terms of which sleeper types will love this mattress, back sleepers reign supreme. Side sleepers will probably want to opt for the softest option, as our testers didn’t get the pressure relief they needed in this position on the Medium version.
Choose the WinkBed GravityLux if …
You enjoy the feel of memory foam but are typically put off by how much heat these models retain.
You are a sleeper with mobility concerns who needs a strong perimeter to bear down on in the morning.
Keep looking if …
You are a lightweight sleeper seeking a soft mattress to sink into. Although the GravityLux has a soft tufted cover layer, it is unlikely to provide the contouring you need around pressure-prone areas.
You are a side sleeper with sensitive joints. The firm surface of the GravityLux could exacerbate joint pain over time. Consider the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe for a cooling option that could work for side sleepers.
Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain
Best for Back Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Why It’s the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain
Its firmer sleep surface supports your lower back and promotes a neutral spinal position.
The Bear Original’s support extends to its farthest reaches, meaning you can rest on the very edge of the mattress without compromising stability.
The Bear’s above-average responsiveness and motion isolation also make it a good mattress for couples.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Like many other memory foam models, the Bear Original has excellent motion isolation.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
Our testers found that the surface of the Bear Original stayed cool and comfortable.
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Response: 4/5
The Bear Original is surprisingly easy to move around on despite not having any springs in it.
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Edge Support: 4.2/5
Sleepers should be able to lie along the perimeter of the mattress without feeling unsteady or falling off.
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Pressure Relief: 3.2/5
The Bear Original excels at relieving pressure for back sleepers but might be too firm for some side sleepers.
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Firmness: 7/10
The Bear Original is a touch firmer than the industry standard of medium-firm (6.5 out of 10).
Dr. Tedesco’s Notes
We invited our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, to stop by and help us test the Bear Original’s pressure relief in various positions. On his back, he noted that it prevented tension from building up and supported healthy spinal alignment.
“With a pillow, I don’t notice any pressure buildup,” said Dr. Tedesco. “I just worked out, and my body just wants to relax, and this bed is allowing that. My trunk, legs, and head feel very supported.”
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
Body Weight
Side
Back
Stomach
Light
(under 130 lbs)
unpleasant
excellent
excellent
Average
(130-230 lbs)
good
excellent
excellent
Heavy
(over 230 lbs)
unpleasant
unpleasant
unpleasant
Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs)
Side Sleeper
unpleasant
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
unpleasant
Back Sleeper
unpleasant
Stomach Sleeper
unpleasant
Our Expert Opinion
Sleepers with back pain need to be careful when buying a memory foam mattress. On one hand, it’s tempting to go with something extra-soft that contours the lumbar region. On the other hand, a mattress that’s too plush may not give you the proper support for a neutral spinal alignment. Fortunately, the all-foam construction of the Bear Original strikes a solid balance of support and pressure relief, earning the title of best mattress for back pain in this roundup.
One thing to note is that the Bear isn’t the most suitable option for side sleeping because of its firm feel.
Choose the Bear Original if …
You want a mattress that is supported and cushioned enough to help prevent back pain.
You need a good, well-rounded option for couples.
Keep looking if …
You want a luxury mattress with additional features.
You want an option that’s better for side sleeping. The Bear Original can feel rigid and uncompromising, particularly if you already have sensitive joints. Sleepers with joint pain would likely feel more comfortable on the Bear Elite Hybrid.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick-up fee.
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why It’s the Best Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress for Pressure Relief
The Aurora Luxe has a near-perfect 4.5-star pressure-relief score from our testers, thanks to its ability to relieve tension in both back and side-sleeping positions.
The Aurora Luxe’s phase change material also makes it a great option for hot sleepers.
The innerspring coils in the Aurora Luxe’s construction make it easy to move around and change positions on its surface.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
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Motion Isolation: 3.8/5
We noticed minor movements from the water during the ripple test.
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Cooling: 4/5
The temperature rose by 7.1 degrees during our 5-minute cooling test.
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Response: 4/5
Our tester found it very easy to move around on this bed and awarded it a strong responsiveness score.
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Edge Support: 4/5
The edges were quite sturdy on the Aurora Luxe.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Our pressure map readings only showed significant pressure buildup for lightweight side sleepers, but it there was little pressure for any back sleepers.
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Firmness: 7/10
The construction of the Aurora Luxe resulted in a firm feel.
Tester Notes
Our lightweight tester, Riley Otis, had a little bit of pressure when lying on her side on this mattress, but attests that the relief really rears its head when resting in a back-sleeping position.
“It has the right level of firmness to keep the spine lifted and properly aligned, while still offering plenty of softness to cushion the upper back,” said Riley. “I also felt some nice contouring through the lower back, which helped support that area without feeling forced. No real complaints here.”
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
Body Weight
Side
Back
Stomach
Light
(under 130 lbs)
good
excellent
excellent
Average
(130-230 lbs)
good
excellent
good
Heavy
(over 230 lbs)
good
good
unpleasant
Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
good
Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
good
Stomach Sleeper
unpleasant
Our Expert Opinion
When looking for the best memory foam mattress for pressure relief, I focused on finding a bed with a soft yet supportive feel. I ended up choosing the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, a hybrid mattress that features a thick memory foam pillow top. It earned a 4.5 for pressure relief overall, with a 4-out-of-5 rating for side sleepers and a 5-out-of-5 for back sleepers, respectively.
This bed comes in Soft, Medium, and Firm models, and we tested the Medium model. It is a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, making it a touch firmer than the industry-standard medium-firm. The Firm model will likely be extra-firm, while the Soft model should hew closer to true medium or medium-soft.
The Aurora Luxe does contain coils, which we believe affected its overall performance in our motion isolation tests. Mattress tester Riley Otis dubbed it “not bad overall, but not the most isolating either.”
Choose the Aurora Luxe if …
You are a back or side sleeper (or a combination of the two) and want a pressure-relieving mattress to help prevent pain and stiffness.
You are a hot sleeper who is seeking a mattress with cooling-specific features.
Keep looking if …
You prefer the feeling of being hugged by a plush mattress.
You and your partner are seeking a mattress that isolates motion. If one of you is a restless sleeper, you are likely to disturb the other person on this responsive mattress. For something similar with better motion isolation, consider the Nolah Evolution instead.
Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Best for Combination Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Nolah Signature is composed entirely of foam, including a breathable proprietary material called AirFoam.
Firmness
This is an ultra-soft bed, coming in at 5.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
Price
$1,299–$2,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Although this is a soft mattress, back sleepers should still get the support they need.
Back Pain
Its foams should soothe the lumbar region, as well as other aches and pains.
Side Sleepers
They should experience deep pressure relief at their shoulders and hips.
Pros of the Nolah Signature
The AirFoam is a more breathable alternative to traditional memory foam, which should appeal to hot sleepers
The cushioning nature of the bed provides deep pressure relief
Back sleepers and side sleepers alike should be comfortable
Cons of the Nolah Signature
The mattress likely isn’t firm or supportive enough for stomach sleepers
Heavy sleepers over 250 pounds will also need something more supportive
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns
If you’re looking for a soft yet supportive foam option, the Nolah Signature should be a good fit. It’s supportive enough for back sleepers, while also providing enough contouring for side sleepers, especially at the shoulders and hips where the put the most pressure while sleeping. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Why It’s the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combination Sleepers
The Nolah Signature’s firm, responsive memory foam makes it easy to change sleeping.
The Nolah’s motion-dampening abilities should help prevent your partner’s movements from disrupting your sleep.
Its strong edge support allows couples and sleepers who gravitate toward the sides of the bed to lie there without sliding off.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
In our water test, we noticed virtually no rippling or jostling from the container, meaning light sleepers should experience little disturbance on their side of the bed.
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Cooling: 4/5
The mattress felt a little warm to our tester, but most sleepers shouldn’t overheat.
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Response: 5/5
Especially for a foam bed, the Signature is extremely responsive.
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Edge Support: 4.8/5
The edges of the Nolah Signature barely buckled under our weight.
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Pressure Relief: 3.3/5
The firmer feel of the Nolah Signature doesn’t offer much sinkage, leading to a lower pressure relief rating.
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Firmness: 8.5/10
The Nolah Signature feels very firm.
Dr. Tedesco’s Notes
Despite the Signature being much firmer than your average memory foam option, Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, found that it offered just enough sinkage in the right spots.
“Everything feels very supported. I don’t even feel like I need a pillow,” said Dr. Tedesco. “My mid-back and shoulders sink into the mattress, so someone with neck pain may not even need a pillow. Your head naturally is closer to the mattress because of the way your body sinks in.”
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
Body Weight
Side
Back
Stomach
Light
(under 130 lbs)
unpleasant
excellent
excellent
Average
(130-230 lbs)
good
excellent
good
Heavy
(over 230 lbs)
excellent
excellent
excellent
Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs)
Side Sleeper
unpleasant
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
good
Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
excellent
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Our Expert Opinion
Sleepers who switch positions throughout the night often have to contend with softer, slow-moving beds that leave them feeling “stuck” as they try to shift around. Most foam mattresses aren’t very bouncy — it just isn’t in the material’s nature. Enter the Nolah Signature. This surprisingly firm mattress is also responsive, earning a perfect 5-out-of-5 rating in this category and making it the ideal memory foam mattress for combination sleepers.
However, I wouldn’t recommend this mattress for lightweight side sleepers or those with sensitive joints. We didn’t find much pressure relief on this mattress (as to be expected), so if that’s what you’re after, we suggest a softer model instead.
Choose the Nolah Signature if …
You are a combination sleeper who frequently changes sleeping positions at night. Our testers were impressed by how easy it was to move around on the Nolah Signature.
You have mobility concerns or gravitate toward the edge of the bed. The Nolah Signature’s edge support rivals many innerspring and hybrid models, making it a good memory foam option for sleepers in both categories.
Keep looking if …
You prioritize cushioning and pressure relief over support. Lightweight sleepers and side sleepers will need something softer to cushion pressure-prone areas like the hips and shoulders. If this sounds like you, consider trying the Nectar Premier instead.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with a different firmness option on each side. We score firmest with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, and the Plank Firm features a Firm side (7.5/10) and an Ultra Firm side (8.5/10).
Price
$749–$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short full, short queen, Olympic queen, short king, RV king
Back pain
Support for those living with back pain.
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Pros of the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm often appears on many of our roundups pertaining to spinal health and back pain.
This mattress is a good choice for couples; it scored 4 out 5 or more for motion isolation, edge support, and cooling.
The quality materials, from its firm cover to its high-density foams, make it an extremely durable option.
Cons of the Plank Firm
Side sleepers won’t receive the proper cushioning or contouring on the Plank Firm. They should look at our best mattresses for side sleepers
instead.
It’s not the best mattress for alleviating joint pain because of its firmer feel — take a look at our best soft mattresses
for alternative options
Shipping
Free within the contiguous US, but $125 for AK and HI
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
There is a $99 return fee.
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why It’s the Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress
The firm surface of the Plank mattress provides excellent corner-to-corner support and stability.
The Extra Firm side of this bed absorbs a lot of movement, making it a great option for sleepers with restless partners.
The mattress surface is easy to move around on because you don’t feel like you are sinking into its layers.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
(Note: the below imaging scores are for the extra-firm side of the bed.)
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
The extra-firm side of the mattress performed well in both our motion isolation tests.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
Our testers thought the Plank Firm felt temperature-neutral overall.
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Response: 5/5
Our testers found it was relatively seamless to move around on the bed’s firm, springy surface.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
The edges of the Plank only sagged when we put our full weight on the edge of the mattress in our seated test.
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Pressure Relief: 3/5
The firmness of this bed doesn’t offer much in the way of pressure relief, whether you choose the firm or extra-firm side.
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Firmness: 7-9/10
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress that features both a firm side and an extra-firm side.
Tester Notes
We were most impressed by the Plank’s performance for back and stomach sleeping because its exceptionally firm surface kept our testers’ spines in a neutral, well-supported position. Mattress tester Sosha Lewis favored the Extra Firm side of the Plank Firm in both positions.
“The firmness and the soft upper layer made this bed fantastic for stomach sleepers,” she said. “There was no pinch in my lower back. I liked it a lot. It kept my spine straight, and I loved how it felt around my hips. There was plenty of elevation.”
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
Body Weight
Side
Back
Stomach
Light
(under 130 lbs)
unpleasant
excellent
excellent
Average
(130-230 lbs)
unpleasant
excellent
good
Heavy
(over 230 lbs)
good
good
good
Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs)
Side Sleeper
unpleasant
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
excellent
Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
unpleasant
Back Sleeper
excellent
Stomach Sleeper
good
Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs)
Side Sleeper
good
Back Sleeper
good
Stomach Sleeper
good
Our Expert Opinion
The Plank Firm — created by Brooklyn Bedding — bucks the trend of memory foam being doughy, pillowy, and soft by being exceptionally firm. After sleeping on it, we found it hard to believe it had ever been pliable enough to be rolled into a tube-like shape and placed in a box.
Reviewing the Plank Firm was a bit different from other beds in that it’s flippable, with both a firm side and an extra-firm side. Our testers felt a tiny bit of cushioning on the Firm side, which I rated at 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. On the extra-firm side, it came in at a whopping 9 out of 10.
Unsurprisingly, our team experienced noticeable buildup on both sides during our pressure relief tests. We wouldn’t recommend this mattress to anyone who struggles with chronic joint pain.
Choose the Plank Firm if …
You are a stomach sleeper seeking a supportive sleep surface. Stomach sleepers should find enough support at the hips to maintain a neutral position.
You use the entire surface of your mattress. You are highly unlikely to fall off the edges of this ultra-firm model.
Keep looking if …
You and your partner are hoping to use the softer side of this mattress. This side suffers from weaker motion isolation, meaning it is more likely that you will disturb each other with your movements.
You are a sleeper with joint pain or sensitivity. To put it plainly, this mattress is much too firm for sleepers in this category. If you suffer from joint pain, we recommend going with something like the Saatva Rx instead.
Latest Updates: In July of 2026, we updated our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses for to reflect our most recent testing notes. We also included new testing notes from Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester.
Other Memory Foam Beds We Considered
We’ve tested many other memory foam mattresses, and here are a few that didn’t quite make it onto our best list but are still worth considering depending on what your needs are.
The Puffy Cloud Mattress gets an honorable mention for its exceptional back pain relief, low motion transfer, and effective cooling. Puffy’s innovative CloudFoam (the brand’s proprietary memory foam) is super breathable, while the hypoallergenic and stain-resistant cover make this a great bed for kids. However, it ultimately didn’t make the list because the pressure-map testing revealed pressure buildup around my hips and shoulders, meaning it’s not the best choice for side sleepers.
At $599 for a queen-sized bed, this Amazon mattress is cheaper than others in the same category and is notable for its pressure relief for both back and side sleepers. However, it didn’t make the cut due to its poor cooling abilities, lack of responsiveness for combination sleepers, and poor support for stomach sleepers and heavier individuals.
How We Tested the Best Memory Foam Mattresses
We don’t rely on guesswork when choosing the best memory foam mattresses; we get hands-on with every bed to find the cream of the crop. Our team has tested more than 132 memory foam mattresses, so we know what to look for. We’ve honed our testing process through a mix of expert input and rigorous, real-world assessments, which allows us to evaluate every mattress on a range of important factors.
Key Testing Categories for Memory Foam Mattresses
Pressure Relief
Memory foam is famous for its doughy material that relieves pressure on the body, especially around sensitive areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back. It does this by molding to the contours of your body, distributing your weight evenly, and reducing pressure points.
Generating pressure maps of the Plank Firm Mattress
If you sleep on your side, you’re likely familiar with the discomfort in your shoulders or hips. Memory foam mattresses help by cradling those areas and easing the tension for better sleep. For back sleepers, memory foam can better align your spine and relieve lower back pain by supporting your body’s natural curve.
How the Best Memory Foam Mattresses Scored in Pressure Relief Average Pressure Relief Score – 3.8
If you sleep with a restless partner (or even a wiggly pet), motion isolation can be a huge deal. One of the standout features of memory foam mattresses is their ability to absorb motion, meaning that when your person or fur baby shifts, you’re less likely to feel it.
Motion isolation tests
We test motion isolation using two specific tests: the motion transfer test and the ripple test. In the motion transfer test, our testers roll around next to each other and note the disturbance level on their side. During the ripple test, we place a glass of water on one side of the bed and then have the tester get into the bed, switch positions, and get out, noting how the water reacts.
How the Best Memory Foam Mattresses Scored in Motion Isolation
Edge support refers to how much the perimeter of a mattress sinks when bearing weight. It’s an important metric for folks who like to spread out on the surface of their mattress, use it as an extra chair, or rely on it for added stability when getting out of bed. We also consider it a precursor to durability. If the edges of a bed don’t sag, the rest of the mattress will likely hold its shape for a longer period of time.
Edge support testing
We test edge support in a few ways. First, our tester sits on the edge of the mattress, judging the sinkage and how secure they feel. They then repeat that test, this time lying down in each sleeping position. The tester gives their opinion and rates the support out of 5.
Our second, more objective test is our weighted edge support test. We use stacks of weight plates to represent each body type (lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight). These are placed at the edge of the mattress to mimic our seated test. Then, we use a tape measure to record how much the mattress sags underneath the weight. Each weight category receives a rating out of 5, which is then averaged with our subjective test results to determine the final score.
How the Best Memory Foam Mattresses Scored in Edge Support Average Edge Support Score – 4
Beyond pressure relief, edge support, and motion isolation, our team of mattress testers also assesses other categories important to sleepers.
When testing how well a mattress keeps things cool and regulates temperature, our experts use a thermal gun to measure the surface temperature before and after resting on it for 5 minutes.
During our responsiveness tests, people of different body types evaluate how quickly and easily the mattress adapts as they move and switch sleeping positions.
Do Memory Foam Mattresses Sleep Hot?
Because they lack the natural ventilation that innerspring coils provide, traditional memory foam has a reputation for trapping body heat. However, many modern all-foam models are designed to help folks sleep much cooler.
Using thermal imaging to assess cooling properties
Cooling features like gel-infused foam, breathable covers, open-cell foam, and Celiant can help dissipate heat and regulate temperature throughout the night. If you tend to overheat, look for a memory foam mattress that includes one or more of these additions.
How Much Should You Pay for a Memory Foam Mattress?
A queen-size memory foam mattress typically costs between $500 and $3,000, with many high-quality options falling in the middle of that range. You can often save by shopping holiday sales, using mattress coupons, or taking advantage of seasonal promotions throughout the year.
Do You Need a Box Spring With a Memory Foam Mattress?
In most cases, no. Most brand-new memory foam mattresses are designed to work on a solid foundation, platform bed, slatted frame with proper support, or an adjustable base. If you prefer using a box spring, be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations first, as using an unsupported foundation could void your warranty.
Should a Memory Foam Mattress Include a Warranty and Sleep Trial?
Yes. A quality memory foam mattress should come with at least a 10-year warranty and a 100-night (or longer) sleep trial. A generous sleep trial gives you time to determine whether the mattress is the right fit while protecting your investment against manufacturing defects.
How Do Memory Foam Mattresses Compare to Other Mattress Types?
Memory foam mattresses are known for their slow-moving, close-conforming feel, excellent pressure relief, and strong motion isolation, making them a great choice for side sleepers and couples.
Different Mattress Types
Innerspring mattresses offer a firmer, bouncier surface with more lift but generally provide less cushioning. Meanwhile, hybrid mattresses combine coils with thick foam comfort layers to balance support, pressure relief, and responsiveness.
Latex mattresses are another popular alternative, offering a naturally bouncy, breathable (according to some studies) feel that’s easier to move around on than memory foam. The only thing to note is that they typically come with a higher price tag.
References
Gordon Ian L. Effect of shirts with 42% Celliant™ fiber on tcPO2 levels and grip strength in healthy subjects: A placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Textile Science and Engineering. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8351537/
Low, F.-Z., Chua, M. C.-H., Lim, P.-Y., & Yeow, C.-H. (2017). Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 16(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2016.09.002